The gargoyle statue was mainly used to convey water from the roof and away from the side of a building. Gargoyle statues are now used for lawn ornamentation.
The term Gargoyle originates from the French Gargouille, which means “throat” or “gullet”. In Latin different words such as gurgulio, gula, and gargula derived from the root GAR which means to swallow. Gar represents the gargling sound of water. So, the architectures used Gargoyle figures mainly to sprout rainwater from the roof of commercial buildings and homes, as the water was not good for the durability of the building.
Grotesque in appearance the sculpture is also used in an artistic ornamental function. There are various uses of grotesque gargoyle statues such as, it was believed that the gargoyle was used to scare off and protect from any evil or harmful spirits.
“Gargoyle” is most often applied to medieval work, but in all ages the means of water diversion was adopted, when not conveyed in gutters. In recent times, when people feel the need of beauty around them especially in their garden, they add gargoyle statues for ornamentation.
There are different types of gargoyle statues available mostly in shape of animals, such as:
· Lion
· Dog
· Wolf
· Eagle
· Snake
· Goat
· Monkey
· Chimeras
People like to put Gargoyle figure at the entrance of the gardens, homes and businesses. It is because; they believe that Gargoyle figures are very helpful in alluring the attention of visitors. Some of them also believe that Gargoyle figures are good omen for them.
Gargoyles are famous as garden ornaments. Some gargoyles are adjusted for fountains and are available gargoyles are cast resin or concrete.
The advantage of placing Gargoyles in gardens or in front of buildings is that it looks lush, old world and expensive, but it isn’t. It just takes artistic ability and a little imagination. An artist is able to show his imagination through the Gargoyle, because Gargoyles are not human figures.
Gargoyles were often used on cathedrals and churches. As Oliver Herford says:
“The gargoyle often makes his perch on a cathedral
Or church where, mid ecclesiastic style
He smiles an early Gothic smile”
Gargoyles were mainly carved on religious themes. As, fertility was the major theme of pagan religions, and fertility gargoyles were placed on the outside walls cathedral walls. In modern era, people also like to put gargoyles on their outside walls, in front of the garden and home but their main aim is to ornament their homes with such marvelous statues.
Gargoyles statues are must have for all those who love history. Another thing is that, if you want to impress people at cocktail parties, it’s nice to have a Gargoyle figure or statue in your lawn or at the wall of your home for the perfect conversation theme.
Please view out collection of gargoyle statues in our catalog here –
Gargoyle Statues and Lawn Ornaments
